Speedway in Lights

Attention NASCAR fans - the Buick was on the fastest half mile track in North America, running the 45 degree banks of Bristol, fully loaded with the whole fam. Seriously, though, it was a great night taking in the light decorations, Christmas carols, and kettle corn.

More holiday fun

Uncle John & Kaden battle it out with their light sabers.

The Driskells visited on their way to Gatlinburg. We have missed Abby & Annie!

The twinks! Cathy - always the prankster! Someday Kim will update her wardrobe. ;)

Christmas!

Mimi and the kids.

Sibling love!

Thanks Uncle John for hosting the crew at your house!

Circle time on Christmas Eve with Katie Grace. Pray for everyone, including Pope Benedict!

Christmas morning. Santa must have enjoyed his Moon Pies and milk - he was very good to K&K.

Unwrapping was the best part of it all.

Uncle John getting his workout in.

Christmas on the road...Stopped at Graceland on the way...

K&K stepping on his blue suede shoes

It's not surprising the airplanes were Dad & Kaden's favorites. We enjoyed the tour - it is definitely an important landmark and study of Americana. As most visitors have noted, we were surprised how small the mansion is but loved taking in the outlandish decor of the period.

Some blogging to catch up on...
As any other family, we were pretty busy preparing for Christmas.

The Clement & Milonovich family visited the Trail of Lights. Next year we'll plan better. :) After walking a couple of miles from where we parked, we discovered it was not open to the public yet. The outing was not futile, though. We warmed up next to the bonfire at the Tree of Lights (did I mention it was in the 80s?)

A shot from the Montessori's Christmas program. Chloe & Kennedy sang carols (with the "hey" part in Jingle Bells as their favorite). Zachary sang every verse of counting in every language with Monica joining in. Kaden remembered his lines for his part (it's amazing what bribery for a Transformer can accomplish!)

"Can we go shopping for my Transformer now?"

We took a trip to Elgin to cut down our Christmas tree.

Dad and his helpers

or maybe they are his supervisors?

Kaden does his part. Like a typical boy, he was ready to cut down anything and everything.

The day was incredible. Actually it didn't seem right to be Christmas tree hunting in 87 degree weather.

Kennedy Christmas in Houston

The whole gang (except Baby Benjamin who was soundly sleeping through all of the raucous.)

The Stone Family

We also celebrated Gram-Gram's 80th birthday.

Wheeling and dealing going on during the gift exchange.

Baby Ben and Uncle Joe taking it easy.

Nancy trying out Gram-Gram's new Wii. What a hit!




Bettie & Gram-Gram

Papa and Kennedy telling secrets

We celebrated Christmas early in Houston with the Kennedy family. It was a great weekend and we hope to continue the tradition. Lots of swimming, scrabble playing, wii-ing, eating and drinking.

More from Kaden's birthday, on the real day...

It was quite a party at school. Pizza, cupcakes, and the calendar song.

Yummy cupcakes. Dad & Kaden made them!

Dinner at the Spaghetti Warehouse. It's becoming a family tradition.

Even the Milonovich family joined in.

Kennedy's first haircut

A chilly weekend in San Antonio...

Posing below the Tower of Americas. Brrrrrrr!

Sibling love...at least for the moment.

Our day at Sea World was a lot of fun, but short-lived. They closed down early for the chilly weather. Can't wait to go back!

Just random pics and things to blog about:

Did you know candy cigarettes no longer go by that moniker - they're now "candy sticks."

Ah, the good ole days!

Had to share this picture. Those that are familiar with my culinary skills will be impressed that I created this delicacy.

MORE BIRTHDAY FUN!

Grannie & Papa hit it big with a bike. (Always a struggle in the morning now trying to convince Kaden it's not practical to ride our bike to school - 10 miles away). And how do you like the new Spiderman pjs?

Uncle John spoiled Kaden - real light sabers from Star Wars!

KADEN'S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS BEGIN!

Uncle John, Kaden & Papa get a little stickball in.

Kaden & Papa practicing the proper batting stance.

We met with a few friends & family to enjoy the rides at Kiddie Acres.

Thanks again, Ginger, for another incredible cake!

Can't believe our turkey baby is almost 4!